New Zealand architect Duncan Firth has found success in Bangkok through a somewhat accidental career path, initially sparked by backpacking through Southeast Asia. He founded Solarei in 2011, an architecture firm specializing in environmental design. Firth’s work centers on passive architecture, prioritizing building designs that harmonize with the natural environment to minimize energy consumption. His approach emphasizes maximizing energy efficiency through thoughtful integration with the surrounding climate and landscape. This focus reflects a growing demand for sustainable building practices in the region. Firth’s expertise is bringing innovative, eco-conscious designs to Southeast Asia, earning him recognition and establishing Solarei as a leader in the field. He is essentially bringing a “new California” style of design to the region.